Could every PPL guy from his abilities have a ATPL license?

Question

I mean, if you have your PPL, I think that it shouldn't be that big problem to get an ATPL (and I mean from the abilities side). Or do you think that some PPL guys are so silly that they would not get their ATPL (because they are just not good enough and cannot handle situations which you should be able to handle when doing an ATPL license) if someone would pay them to get the license?

Answer 1

You have to have a commercial and instrument license

There's also time requirements you have to meet just to apply

check out 61.159 in the FAR/AIM

Answer 2

I was a FAA designated pilot examiner for ATP/Gulfstream and I can tell you I've seen brand new comercial pilots with not much more than a few hundred hours that could pass the ATP check hands down and I've busted some 30 year ATPs who I wouldn't let drive my car much less put them in the left seat of a transport aircraft. Yeah you guessed it, they just went off and found another examiner and are out there, accidents waiting to happen. Don't let anybody tell you he's good because he's an ATP.

Answer 3

Don't know about the "silly" factor you allude to, but my answer to your primary question is no. Your use of the word "every" in your question makes "no" an easy answer. With all due respect to John B, he doesn't answer your question----he speaks about some commercials and some ATPs, but doesn't address "every PPL guy".